If you have an appointment with your orthodontist or dentist for implant placements, or you already have dental implants, then you know or have an idea about how they are linked to bone health. If not, don’t be worried because this write-up will discuss the relationship between dental implants and bone health!
Dental implants are the go-to solution for missing teeth. But their successful healing and functionality as normal teeth depend on a healthy jawbone. If you further want to understand dental care, oral care, and oral health aligned with bone health and dental implants continue reading!
Relationship between Dental Implants and Bone Health
• Support for Dental Implants
The procedure for dental implant placement involves the screwing of implants into your jawbone. Following this, the implants combine with your jawbone over time, a process that is known as osseointegration in the dental world. The successful placement of the implants entails functional teeth that are strongly secured to a healthy jawbone.
• Bone Protection
Any orthodontist or dentist will confirm to you that dental implants protect your jawbone. When your tooth or teeth fall off, they diminish the functionality of the jawbone, leading to its detriment through shrinking. Thus, a replacement of teeth with implants restores your jawbone’s health and functionalities to the neighboring natural teeth and the implants.
The Impact of Dental Implants on Bone Health
• Dental Evaluation
The best dentist or orthodontist performs dental assessments using different tools to evaluate your oral health. They provide information on the jawbone’s strength, width, quantity, and density. Based on the information, dentists decide whether it can support dental implants. Ultimately, they may or may not recommend a dental implant placement procedure.
• Bone grafting
An unhealthy jawbone cannot perform its functions to maintain oral health. It may decrease in size prompting your dentist to perform a procedure known as bone grafting for oral care. The process involves taking small particles of bones from one area and adding them to the part that is missing a tooth or where the jawbone is shrinking. Following this, the jawbone can resume healthy growth, facilitating its functions.
Critical Factors Affecting Jawbone Health
• Tooth Loss
Losing your tooth or teeth affects the jawbone’s health. It may start losing its size and density, further deteriorating oral health. It affects functions such as chewing and speech. The best solution for a healthy jawbone is dental implant placement that encourages proper dental care and oral health.
• Smoking
If you are a smoker, it is best that you quit for your oral health! One of the health tips that your orthodontist will communicate to you as a smoker is that smoking is connected to reduced blood flow and slowed healing, which seriously affects jawbone health in areas with missing teeth. Remember! An unhealthy jawbone leads to unsuccessful dental implant’s functionality. Your dentist will agree that it is in your best interest to stop smoking for your dental implant’s successful healing and bone health.
• Gum Disease
Dental illnesses, such as gum disease are detrimental to the jawbone. It affects bone strength and growth making it impossible to support natural teeth and dental implants. Gum disease also interferes with your daily and proper dental care leading to dental bone loss. As reviewed above, an unhealthy jawbone cannot accommodate dental implants! The sequence of your oral health would follow, gum treatment, restored jawbone, and successful dental implant placement.
Bone Health After Dental Implant Placement
Here’s a procedure for you to maintain a healthy jawbone that will accommodate your dental implants!
• Dental Hygiene
You know the basics of regular dental care and oral care. Let’s mention them! Daily and regular teeth brushing and flossing. If you maintain these practices, you reduce the risk of mouth infections and gum disease, resulting in a healthy jawbone. Now, we all know a strong jawbone equals stable and healthy dental implants.
• Regular Visits to the Dentist
Your frequent visits to the dentist or orthodontist will ensure your oral health. Having a professional assess the state of your gums and overall oral health will definitely help in identifying and addressing dental issues. The checkups ensure dental implants longevity and prevention of dental health issues, maintaining bone health.
• Better Healthy Choices
It does not stop with dental care. You need to live a healthy lifestyle to ensure bone health. Eat a balanced diet with extra vitamins and calcium. Most of all quit smoking and always engage in dental care practices. The goal is to have a healthy jawbone before and after missing teeth for a successful dental implant!
A healthy jawbone equals a successful dental implant placement and vice versa! Successfully healing implants ensure continued dental bone health. Features of a successful relationship between the two include effective dental care and oral care that facilitate long-term oral health. You have the secret to a healthy jawbone and successful dental implants. Go ahead and utilize it to your advantage!
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